IF YOU GO

* Admission: $11.95 (free to active-duty military families with military ID; limit two adults and two children).

* Phone: 756-2738.

* Website: www.cdmfun.org.

SCHEDULE

* Noon-4 p.m. Crafts

* 2 p.m. Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Uncle Sam

* 2:10 p.m. Bubble-wrap fireworks

* 2:30 p.m. A 21-Diet Coke geyser salute to America, followed by cake and ice cream

Bubble-wrap fireworks have always been a safe but raucous way for visitors to mark Independence Day at the Creative Discovery Museum.

Last year, Red, White and Blue Day got a little more explosive with the addition of a 21-geyser salute made by mixing Diet Coke and Mentos. The effervescent salute will be re-enacted again this year, this time with military families helping to create the geyser effect.

Carrie Fitzsimmons, public relations coordinator, said some military families have been recruited already, but there are still open spots.

"We're trying to represent all branches of the armed forces," she said. "We have Army, Navy and Marines, but we don't have anybody from the Air Force yet."

Spots are first-come, but no one who wants to take part will be turned away. "If we get more, we'll try to include them the best we can in the presentation," she said.

Although service personnel are welcome to wear their dress uniforms, fatigues may be a better idea, Fitzsimmons advised. The fizzy finale can get messy.

"No one wants to be wearing Diet Coke while they're doing everything else," she said.

The aim of Red, White and Blue Day, which is held on the Fourth, is to feature favorite American traditions to help children understand not just the ways but the reasons we celebrate, said Jayne Griffin, director of education. Also among the activities are a parade, crafts and patriotic face paint.

From noon to 4 p.m. guests can create July Fourth-inspired crafts. At 2 p.m., everyone will gather to hear Uncle Sam read from the Declaration of Independence. Then those assembled will take up noisemakers and flags to parade around the museum. The parade's grand finale is the chance to mimic the pop-pop-pop of fireworks using bubble wrap. Finally comes the 21-soda geyser salute to America, followed by cake and ice cream.